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LINKS OF INTEREST:
ASHEVILLE AREA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Revolution Sports & Entertainment
Monolithic Domes
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP, E-MAIL
WNCSPORT@AOL.COM OR CALL (828) 681-0391.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY WANTS TO BUY THE BILTMORE SQUARE MALL??
Here's a letter I just sent to local leaders:
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Chairman Gantt, and other distinguished ladies and gentlemen:
I read in the Asheville Citizen-Times today that you are considering as
an option buying Biltmore Square Mall for county offices. As someone
who has advocated building a modest sports arena there for years, I feel
compelled to offer some opinions on this, as it directly impacts me.
I do not see the logic, rhyme, or reason to take such a valuable piece
of property off the tax rolls just for county offices. The claim that
it would not cost Buncombe County taxpayers is debatable considering the
property tax and sales taxes that would be lost, as well as the interest
in financing a bond to make that happen. There would also be questions
as to negative economic impact to businesses located near the mall who
need that magnet for their survival. There are other options you should
also consider:
1. IF there ever is a new performing arts center, the current Thomas
Wolfe Auditorium is no longer needed. That property could be
redeveloped for more county offices, even if the current arena is
renovated. It might even force the City to build additional parking in
front of the Civic Center.
2. IF the performing arts center does not happen, the land considered
next to City Hall could be used.
(If you were to buy out the Biltmore Square Mall, please keep in mind
the current land tax value is significantly less than the rumored
selling price of $37 million. Granted, your property values have not be
re-evaluated for a few years, and certainly the value of the mall will
be higher than the $20 million listed now. Not certain it's $37
million, though.)
If you pursue the mall, may I suggest just using a very small piece of
it for the actual offices? If I am not mistaken, there are 48 acres and
it's doubtful you need all of them for county offices. You could
partition the remaining property and sell it off, recouping some of the
money lost.
Some ideas would include:
1. A modest sports arena. Obviously, the County and the City does not
agree on the future of the Civic Center. The market IS there for a
sports venue, the facility is not, and the City currently plans to
remove even the locker rooms from the current venue within 2 years,
according to their current improvement plan. Given the City's likely
move to remove even ice skating from the Civic Center (something I
reluctantly agree with due to age of equipment), it is clear it's not a
sports venue, and cannot be forced into one.
Such a modest venue I propose could split up the Civic Center to the 3
building solution I have always advocated (a sports arena out of
downtown, a renovated arena primed for concerts and trade shows where it
currently is, and a modest performing arts center downtown).
It's long past time for the local and state leaders to get back to the
table on this issue anyway and see if a compromise can be reached. Get
in a "smoke-filled room" and get this done. If you need smoke, I'll
bring a fog machine. :)
2. A medical school. Certainly, the growth of our population begs the
question as to why we do not have a decent medical school in western
North Carolina. Owning that much land would make lobbying the State for
one very attractive. I'm amazed this hasn't been thought of before.
3. Private redevelopment. The current mall is a victim of bad luck. I
don't blame location, the shops on Airport Road are doing as well as
anyone right now. The Steve & Barry's fiasco might have been the last
straw that broke the mall's back. Selling off part of that land for
private redevelopment could work as it might bring in options that will
work better. I would not even rule out a nursing home, with the "Baby
Boomers" retiring in this area and all.
Personally, I'd prefer you consider one of the other options for
more county office space, and pursue the sports venue idea for the Steve
& Barry's location at the current mall. But if you do proceed with the
purchase of the mall, please consider at least partitioning the land
redevelopment, as it will at least save some money from taxpayers.
Thank you for your time.
Dennis Justice
wncarena.com
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BILTMORE SQUARE MALL FOR SALE!
THE FIRST LOCAL MEDIA TO REPORT:
ICE SKATING GONE FROM THE CIVIC CENTER?
Just got back from the Civic Center Commission meeting. Director Sherman
Bass recommended the City of Asheville end public ice skating, citing costs to
operate, how it scares away other potential tenants, and how the temporary ice
rink damages the building.
Most importantly, it was noted by a Commissioner that the ice equipment is
already past the life expectancy, meaning it could literally go out at any
moment.
Commission to consider the issue in February's meeting, but a final decision is
likely from City Council.
Vs.
???
INDOOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE VERSUS
AMERICAN INDOOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION IN
2009?
At the same meeting, a Commissioner stated he was contacted by the Indoor
Football League about a potential team, and received an information package.
IF the IFL pursues Asheville, they will likely face competition from the
American Indoor Football League, which has teams in Charlotte, Florence
(defending champions), and Fayetteville. Also, they have a new team in
Greenville, the South Carolina Force, that being play in March.
IFL Pros: More stable, more teams, many have been stable for years.
IFL Cons: Teams literally all over the country, including Alaska.
Not many teams locally (although one may be coming soon elsewhere; Commissioner
said Greenville but I am guessing he meant Greensboro as there is an AIFA team
in Greenville now).
AIFA Pros: More local teams, including Greenville, playing here NOW.
AIFA Cons: League offshoot of old AIFL which brought us the Carolina
GhostRiders disaster. (Although they would contend they drove the owner
responsible out of the league, and this league has addressed issues that would
likely prevent another GhostRiders disaster.) Also, AIFA team in Augusta
dormant this year, owner sued by former coach for non-payment, new coach busted
LYING on his resume and was NOT fired when the media brought this to the owner's
attention. (Although the league to its credit did remove mention of the
Augusta team from its website. Maybe they're going to push them out?)
GOING TO BE AN INTERESTING YEAR IN SPORTS AFTER ALL....STAY TUNED....
Try, try
again...
WORLD BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION IN 2009?
It's possible, as preliminary inquiries have been made.
Asheville has been a coveted market by both the WBA and the Premier Basketball
League (the somewhat larger PBL would love to come to Asheville perhaps in 2010,
their second season starts this weekend). The WBA is entering its sixth
season next summer, and it does prepare players for the NBA summer camps and
Euroleague as promised. But can the league reserve a modest venue for THIS
summer, will they have to wait until 2010, or perhaps will the PBL beat them to
the punch?
STAY TUNED....
STEVE AND BARRY'S LIKELY CLOSING IN ASHEVILLE!
Firm who purchased the chain deciding to liquidate the stores.
This surely means the Biltmore Square Mall loses a key tenant.
But....wouldn't that open the possibility for a sports venue
at an ideal location?
Let's hope so!
Stay tuned...
My
latest letter to the Citizen-Times
CITY OF ASHEVILLE MAY PURSUE BOND REFERENDUM FOR NOVEMBER
2009. MAY INCLUDE SEVERAL PROJECTS INCLUDING THE CIVIC CENTER. FOUND
OUT AT PREVIOUS CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION MEETING. STAY TUNED...
ARCHIVES-
Note: These archives have been collected over the last three years.
Notice NOTHING much has changed in the way of progress from the City of
Asheville in regards to the Civic Center.
It is very reasonable to presume that NOTHING will change if the City of
Asheville is left to its own devices.
Here is an older report on the Biltmore Square Mall:
Biltmore Square Mall Report
A cursory report of motels, restaurants,
and businesses near the Biltmore Square Mall and the Airport.
Report On Naming Rights
Revenue
It is believed an appropriate
naming rights package would be $2.25 million over 10 years, including a grant
program to bring in the sporting tenants that Western North Carolina wants.
OPEN LETTER TO CIVIC LEADERS
Dear Civic Leaders:
I'm sure you have read this letter by now:
Most of you have heard
virtually everything I said before. The only difference is pointing out
the State is building a meeting center without Asheville's blessing and
could build an arena if they wanted to without Asheville's blessing. I
think it would make far more sense for all sides to come together in a far
more productive matter.
What I really want is for all sides (including someone
representing the state) to restart talks about the Civic Center itself in
an open forum, and see if we can resolve the obvious disagreements we
have. Now that things have cooled down some, maybe a new meeting might
bring some new ideas.
I will remind you of two things:
1. The City already passed an improvement plan that takes out locker
rooms by 2011, so there won't be sports in the current Civic Center
anyway.
2. The State has already stated intentions to build a "multipurpose"
venue at the WNC Ag. Center.
What I proposed in my letter is one sensible, very inexpensive building
that addresses both of these things. The City could then get funding for
renovation for the current arena mainly for concerts and trade shows (what
they prefer and do well in), and still build their performing arts center
near City Hall. Since sports are being phased out by 2011, what you
actually have to do to the arena without sports is far less that proposed
renovation costs in the past.
I'm not married to the concrete dome concept, it could be a steel frame
building with metal siding for all I care. So long as we separate
the tenants to more modest but functional facilities. And frankly, with
the demand for events, the proposed venue could be helpful for the WNC
State Fair without a single sports tenant anyway.
It's a reasonable compromise that gives all sides basically what they
wanted all along. Even though I don't always agree with the Civic Center
Commission, they are doing a thankless job and should be commended for the
concerts that do bring money downtown. I just think the solution needs to
split up the tenants.
As I stated, it wouldn't take too much for the State to consider my idea
anyway. So why not see if the State, City, and County can coordinate
these things better to get past this regional albatross so we can
finally talk about other issues?
I am hopeful all the sides will agree to restart the Task Force now so we
can resolve our differences in time for the next session of the General
Assembly. I am available to any public leader to offer any advice or help
I can.
But now it's time for action and leadership from our elected officials.
Please do so.
Thank you for your time and good luck.
See Arena Racing USA Videos
Intro to Arena Racing USA
and how affordable it is to start a team
(50MB, right click and save as...)
Another year goes
by, another year with no resolution to the Civic Center. There was talk of a
transfer of the Civic Center to Buncombe County, but at the last moment, it fell apart.
But an
interesting development announced last week creates an opportunity to
finally solve this regional albatross. The WNC Agricultural Center recently announced a $5 million package from the State to build a log
cabin meeting center, generally believed long overdue. In the
September 9th story in the Asheville Citizen-Times, it was
stated that future plans included “building another multipurpose
building on the fairgrounds.”
Members of
Asheville City Council correctly stated that they could possibly build
a racetrack, on property they own near the airport, with or without
the blessing of the Towns of Fletcher and Mills River. Well, it is now just as
obvious with this recent announcement that the State, if desired,
could circumvent the City and build a sports arena. It just takes
changing what “multipurpose” means in their plans.
Such a building
would actually benefit Asheville, as they seem to care far more about
concerts and trade shows in the current Civic Center arena than sports (for
example, changeover costs from concerts to hockey were absurd). They
even approved a plan to remove locker rooms in a couple of years
anyway, so sports teams won’t be there long-term. If the State were
to build such a venue at the Agricultural Center, the City
would only have to spend enough to renovate the arena for concerts and
trade shows, what their downtown cares about, and build their
performing arts center near City Hall. It actually could be far less
expensive than their Heery plan, which would have jammed everything in
one building, with difficult changeover and obscene rent.
As to the
building, it does not have to be a gigantic “Bi-Lo Center.” Such a building isn’t
sustainable in Greenville and wouldn’t work here. A modest 5,000 seat
facility built correctly would be more suitable. Such a building is
being proposed in Watertown, New York. It is a concrete dome and it
CAN be done for only $10 million with the right vision. (Compare
that to the $millions considered for just a “green roof” at the Civic Center. Nothing is more “green” and cost-efficient than a concrete dome.) FEMA
funding is possible as a regional disaster center. Naming rights
could pay about 15-20% of it.
Best of all,
sports teams aren’t the “red-headed stepchildren” anymore. I’m sure the Southern Professional Hockey League
would love to come here. It is possible indoor football or pro
basketball could return in a league better suited for Asheville. And especially something like Arena Racing USA would
fit perfectly as a summer circuit. (
www.arenaracingusa.com ) Imagine indoor racing as a draw during
the WNC State Fair. Since the indoor noise is comparable to the truck
shows at the Agricultural Center, it ends the controversy over the proposed racetrack and make both sides
happy. Even with no sports teams, such a building would be a huge
benefit for the airport and State Fair.
Maybe it makes
too much sense to work. But the City doesn’t really desire sports
downtown, so why pretend otherwise? If the City isn’t involved, it
only delays their plans at least a couple of years. I call on all
sides to restart the Civic Center Task Force and start working on this
now so by 2008 something can pass through the General Assembly.
Don’t pass on the
Civic Center albatross to our
grandchildren for political reasons.
WATERTOWN, NEW YORK CONSIDERS $10 MILLION DOME FOR
SPORTING EVENTS!
Watertown Chamber firmly behind proposal
(Sample
Monolithic Arena concept.)
Monolithic Domes is proposing a $10 million facility for Watertown, New
York, similar to the dome that has been suggested for some time on this
site. The facility would seat 5,000 for conventions, and sporting
events, and also be an emergency disaster center.
Far more economical than any proposal to renovate the existing Civic
Center, such a facility, say at the WNC Agricultural Center, would be a
God-send for sports teams who know good and well the current Civic Center
can never be a desirous venue for them, who would always be given the shaft
when compared to concerts and trade shows. (Those who doubt this
should read the story below.) Also, at that location would greatly
enhance the WNC State Fair, and be used as a regional disaster center, near
the Airport. Finally, such a facility could house
ARENA RACING USA, which would be
a compromise in the controversy over the proposed racetrack.
(A church built in Alabama. A similar design could
easily fit a hockey rink and 5,000 seats.)
Here's some suggestions:
1. Build the performing arts center
proposed by the Asheville Area Center for the Performing Arts, near City
Hall.
2. Renovate the arena only for
concerts and trade shows, and stop trying to make it do too many things.
This would drastically reduce renovation costs.
3. Build a Monolithic Dome at the
Ag. Center, and move your sports and other events there. The impact to
the State Fair alone would justify this.
It would be far cheaper to do this than
the Heery plan or any version of it, and give a bone to those of us who have
argued for a regional facility anywhere but the current Civic Center
location.
City of Asheville to replace locker rooms for more dressing
rooms in the Civic Center. The City's own report verifies this According to their own repair plan (which is nowhere close
to a longterm solution, but includes immediate repairs like the roof), the
locker rooms, which were not good for sports teams, will be taken out
entirely in 2010-2011. This, along with no plans for a separate venue
somewhere else, seemingly dooms sports teams from ever coming to the Civic
Center. That is, of course, unless there's another foolish group who
wants to bring in a sports team despite the poor history of sports teams in
how they are treated in the Civic Center. "Desperate arenas bring in desperate sports teams" Case study: The Carolina GhostRiders and the last
hockey team.
Report from luncheon sponsored by
Leadership Asheville concerning proposed Performing Arts Center: Basically, they are proposing a very ambitious project to
put performing arts in an entirely different building, which would
potentially leave everyone else in the current Civic Center. Asheville
City Council recently a very basic repair package (which includes
REPLACING locker rooms with dressing rooms in 2009/2010, real statement
about sports in the arena, huh?) The BEST case scenario for a new
performing arts center is 2012 before it opens. MAYBE in a couple of
years the City may acquire funding for it and maybe later get funding for
the remaining Civic Center. Not promising to say the least. Indoor
sports teams NEED their own venue to have sports teams with rent that's
affordable, with far fewer changeovers, in a far more accessible area.
The City's move to take out even the locker rooms proves beyond any hope
of doubt that ANY renovation of the arena would remain in management and
attitude where sports would remain as the red-headed stepchild of the
building. THIS attitude is one of the primary reasons for the failure of
sports teams in the building.
CITY OF ASHEVILLE CLAIMS CIVIC CENTER WORTH $23 MILLION
BUT JUST A YEAR AGO THE
CITY CLAIMED THE TAX VALUE WAS $14.4 MILLION (from Task Force)
LET COUNTY VOTERS DECIDE THE CIVIC CENTER'S FATE!
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Biltmore Square Mall sold to mostly local group- Group states
that they did consider a new "civic center" at the Biltmore Square Mall,
but is looking for a different store at the old Belk's location.
This is unquestionably a setback for those who want a new arena, leaving
the primary option for a reasonable sports facility and arena to the WNC
Ag. Center. Fortunately, the City is proposing a "green roof"
(which would better be called the "mossy Band-aid"), showing the City is
simply unable to get public support for a token renovation.
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City of Asheville thinks "green roof" can remove stigma of Civic Center-
 Councilman
Jan Davis actually said it "could help remove the stigma" about the
Civic Center. Among the other things that were going to be the
catalyst for addressing the Civic Center: Both hockey teams, the
NBDL, whatever other new tenant comes from time to time, God knows how
many studies and the Task Force, probably forgot a few things, too.
The reality is this would be an absurd waste of money, as if something
were to happen with the Civic Center, they would have to replace the
roof TWICE. So why do an expensive option first when a standard
replacement would make more sense? Meanwhile, the Reid Center
needs money for its renovation and Memorial Stadium is STILL nowhere
near finished with its renovation. I wish I could take credit for
this comment, but on the Citizen-Times' message board, a boarder
commented this was like "putting lipstick on a pig."
(The following
press release was forwarded over by Global Entertainment to us and Global
has indicated they are still very much interested in building a NEW ARENA
for Western North Carolina, and are looking at all options.)
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Global Entertainment Signs Two New Agreements
Three Multi-Purpose Events Centers Near Completion
Total Project Costs of Approximately $175 Million
Global Entertainment Corporation
4909 East McDowell Road, Suite 104
Phoenix, Arizona 85008-4293
PHOENIX, ARIZONA,
September 20, 2006 – Global Entertainment Corporation (AMEX: GEE)
a company engaged in sports management, multi-purpose events and
entertainment center and related real estate development, facility
and venue management and marketing, venue ticketing and brand
licensing, announced it has broadened its national platform with the
signing of a project agreement in the Pacific Northwest and entered
the international market with a new project agreement in western
Canada. The company also has three previously announced
multi-purpose events centers in the final stage of preparation for
grand opening ceremonies in time for the beginning of the 2006/2007
hockey season.
On September 12, 2006, Global participated in groundbreaking
ceremonies for a $44.5 million multi-purpose events and
entertainment center for the City of Wenatchee, Washington. Global
will be the single-source for Design, Development and long-term
Management of the operational Greater Wenatchee Regional Event
Center that is an important component of Wenatchee’s historic
downtown/riverfront redevelopment master plan. On the same day
Global reached agreement with the City of Dawson Creek in British
Columbia, Canada for the long-term Design, Management, Marketing and
Ticketing of the Encana Centre where a Global subsidiary will
oversee $10 million of capital enhancements for the multi-purpose
facility.
The
three multi-purpose events centers set to open in the next 30/60
days have a combined project cost of approximately $120 million.
The previously announced events centers are located in Prescott
Valley, AZ; Rio Rancho, NM and Broomfield, CO. The Prescott Valley
Convention and Events Center will serve as a major component of a
new 40-acre retail and entertainment district, while the Santa Ana
Star Center will operate as a keystone for Rio Rancho’s new master
planned downtown. The Broomfield Event Center is part of the
206-acre mixed use Arista project. All three venues will host
Central Hockey League (CHL) member teams operated by a Global
subsidiary through its joint operating agreement with the CHL.
Global’s full complement of services are provided by its multiple
independently operated subsidiary companies that cross-market to
provide a single-source for the development and design of
multi-purpose events and entertainment centers, facility and venue
management and marketing, venue ticketing and brand licensing.
“These current events highlight the multiple levels of service we
offer our target markets. In our traditional role we offer a
single-source that begins with the concept phase of an events
center, moving on to the development phase that leads to the
long-term management of the operational facility. Where
circumstances dictate a lesser role our multiple subsidiaries act
independently to realize a market opportunity that did not require
the entire breadth of services Global is capable of providing,” said
Rick Kozuback, president and chief executive officer of Global
Entertainment. “The strength of our organization remains our ability
to provide industry expertise in all areas of project development
and facility operation in our chosen communities.”
Global Entertainment Corporation is
an integrated events company focused on mid-size communities that is
engaged through its seven wholly owned subsidiaries, in sports
management, multi-purpose events and entertainment center and
related real estate development, facility and venue management and
marketing, venue ticketing and brand licensing. The
Western Professional Hockey League,
Inc, through a joint operating agreement with the Central
Hockey League, is the operator and franchisor of professional minor
league hockey teams in nine states.
International Coliseums Company
serves as project manager for arena development while
Encore Facility Management
coordinates all arena facility operations.
Global Entertainment Marketing
Systems pursues licensing and marketing opportunities
related to the Company’s sports management and arena developments
and operations. Global
Properties I in correlation with arena development
projects works to maximize value and development potential of new
properties. Global Entertainment
Ticketing is an in-house ticketing company for sports and
entertainment venues. Cragar
Industries is the licensor for its nationally recognized,
branded products CRAGAR®, TRU-SPOKE®, CRAGAR S/S® and STREET PRO®.
Visit our web sites:
www.globalentertainment2000.com
www.coliseums.com
www.cragar.com
www.centralhockeyleague.com
www.gettix.net
For more information, contact:
Rick Kozubak
Global Entertainment Corporation
Phone: (480) 994-0772
www.globalentertainment2000.com
Rudy R. Miller, Chairman
The Miller Group
Public Relations Counsel
Phone: (602) 225-0505
Here are some pictures and renderings of
the the Broomfield Events Center built and managed by
Global Entertainment
Marketing Systems (GEMS) (also seen on
www.coliseums.com ):
NEWS AND RESOURCE ARCHIVE
ARENA RACING USA DEBUTS IN CHARLOTTE WITH TONY STEWART AS GUEST DRIVER (WITH
VIDEO!)
Joe Gibbs Racing purchases franchise rights to this
growing series! Could this be something in a new arena in
Asheville in 2-3 years? Stay tuned...
Civic Center Overview
Civic Center Task Force Report
Civic Center Report
Double
Vision: Mountain Xpress report on Civic Center (also features
links to previous stories)
Asheville Area Center for the Performing Arts proposes $39
million arena. 5,000 seats.
Ideas suggested at Task Force meeting included Biltmore Square
Mall, WNC Ag. Center, and now the "Gateway" option.
Also, AACPA receives $1 MILLION grant!
Biltmore Square Mall Report
A cursory report of motels, restaurants,
and businesses near the Biltmore Square Mall and the Airport.
Report On Naming Rights
Revenue
It is believed an appropriate
naming rights package would be $2.25 million over 10 years, including a grant
program to bring in the sporting tenants that Western North Carolina wants.
BUT NOT TO A RENOVATED ARENA!!
CITY
TALKS ABOUT NAMING RIGHTS FOR NEW ARENA AT 3/27 CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION
MEETING! Update: Subcommittee not ready to present report.
However, Global Sports spoke to the Task Force recently and pointed
out NOBODY would put in money for naming rights on a renovated building.
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More
information: Dennis Justice, 31 Tamis Lane, Fletcher, NC 28732 Phone:
(828) 681-0391
E-Mail:
wncsport@aol.com
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